Are you tired of dealing with dry, itchy skin caused by hard water? We’ve all been there – the frustration of stepping out of the shower only to be met with skin that feels rough and irritated. But fear not, because, in this blog post, we will share some tried and tested tips on protecting your skin from the harsh effects of hard water. Hard water is water that contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
While drinking may be safe, it can wreak havoc on your skin. The minerals in hard water can strip away the natural oils on your skin, leaving it dry, flaky, and prone to irritation. But don’t worry; you can take steps to combat these effects and keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
Investing in a good water softener is one of the first steps in protecting your skin from hard water. Water softeners remove the minerals that cause water hardness, leaving you with softer, gentler water that won’t dry out your skin. Many different types of water softeners are available, so be sure to research and find one that suits your needs and budget.
What is hard water, exactly?
Hard water refers to water that has a high mineral concentration. In addition to calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate, this type of water also contains magnesium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium sulfate, and many other minerals.
Looking at the table above, you can see that some types of water are more complex than others. For example, tap water tends to contain fewer minerals than well water. In addition, different kinds of water tend to have different hardness levels. Some types of water are very soft while others are very hard.
The most common types of hard water include:
• Calcium Carbonate – CaCO3
• Calcium Sulfate – CaSO4
• Magnesium Hydroxide – Mg(OH)2
• Sodium Bicarbonate – NaHCO3
• Potassium Sulfate – KHSO4
What is the difference between hard and soft water?
| Aspect | Hard Water | Soft Water |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Content | Contains high levels of minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium ions. | Contains fewer minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium ions. |
| Lathering with Soap | Reduced lathering and difficulty forming suds with soap and detergents. | Enhanced lathering and effective soap action. |
| Effect on Skin | It can cause mineral buildup in appliances like kettles and pipes, reducing efficiency. | May require water-softening treatments or systems to mitigate hardness. |
| Effect on Hair | Makes hair feel dry, dull, and prone to breakage. | Leaves hair softer, shinier, and more manageable. |
| Appliance Efficiency | It leaves skin feeling smoother and moisturized. | Doesn’t lead to significant mineral buildup in appliances. |
| Soap and Detergent Usage | Requires more soap and detergent to produce desired results. | Requires less soap and detergent due to better lathering. |
| Fabric Care | It is less likely to cause scaling or clogging in pipes. | Helps preserve fabric color and maintain fabric softness. |
| Plumbing Concerns | Can contribute to scaling and clogging in pipes over time. | Generally, it has less environmental impact. |
| Water Taste | It can contribute to scaling and clogging in pipes over time. | Generally considered to have a more neutral taste. |
| Cost of Water Softening | It may have a slightly different taste due to mineral content. | Typically, it doesn’t necessitate water-softening treatments. |
| Environmental Impact | The process of water softening can have environmental implications. | Generally has less environmental impact. |
How does hard water affect your skin?
Hard water can make your skin dry, itchy, and irritated. It can also cause acne. Hard water can make your skin feel tight. It can make your skin feel rough and flaky if you regularly shower with hard water.
Suppose you have scaly patches on the back of your arms or legs in areas where soap or lotion is often applied or even sweat from activities like exercise. In that case, this could also be caused by hard water.
Related Post: 10 Effects Of Hard Water On Skin And Hair And Ways To Stop It
11 Solutions for Softer Skin and Hair even with hard water-
In summary, there are many reasons why hard water affects your skin and hair. But don’t worry. Some solutions help soften your skin and hair even with hard water. Here are 11 solutions to protect your skin and hair from hard water.
1. Try a Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most powerful natural ingredients for cleaning hair. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which helps balance the pH level of our bodies, making it an excellent ingredient for detoxing. This recipe uses a few simple steps that are easy to do at home.
Mix 1 part of vinegar with 3 parts of water. Apply to wet hair and let sit for 5 minutes before rinsing. Put the vinegar mixture into your hair after you shampoo and work it through your hair, massaging your scalp as you do so. To keep your hair healthy, try alternating between vinegar treatments and shampoos.
If you would like to add a little luxury to your treatment, you can combine your solution with coconut oil and lavender oil and spray it on. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing, then spray and massage into your roots. Purified water should be used as your final rinse. Otherwise, vinegar’s effects will be countered.
2. Do a Final Rinse with Filtered Water
Although we do not encourage using disposable plastic water bottles as they harm the environment, there are times when you must use one. If you’re traveling abroad, you’ll want to ensure you don’t accidentally drink tap water. You might even consider bringing a filter jug or bottle to ensure you always have clean drinking water.
However, if you’re at home, you can quickly rinse a reusable bottle with filtered water. Just fill the bottle with filtered water, screw on the lid, and shake it.
Then, pour away. You could skip the rinsing step altogether. Simply put the bottle into the sink and run some cold water over it. This will help clear any sediment that could have been collected inside the bottle.
3. Use a Deep Moisturizing Conditioner
We suggest trying a deep moisturizing leave-in conditioner at least once weekly to combat dry hair and reduce the amount of damage to follicles. This type of product works best for people whose hair tends to be okay, frizzy, and prone to breakage.
If you don’t want to use a thick formula, look for one containing natural oils like jojoba, almond, or coconut oil. Jojoba oil helps protect against UV rays, while almond oil acts as a lightweight moisturizer.
Argan oil is excellent, too, since it protects against free radicals and encourages the growth of healthy cells. You’ll find many brands out there that contain these types of oils, but we’ve found some perfect ones that work well.
4. Use a Citrus Rinse
Citrus rinses are great for cleansing hair because they contain natural oils that help break down dirt and debris while moisturizing the scalp. They’re also suitable for people with oily hair because citrus oil helps hydrate the hair shaft.
The key to getting rid of build-up is massaging the product into the scalp. This allows the oils to penetrate deep into the follicles, where it works best. You’ll want to use enough product to saturate your hair without making it too thick. If you add extra product, apply it evenly throughout the length of your hair.
Lemon juice is one of my favourite citrus juices because it’s naturally acidic. Lemon juice is ideal for cleaning out blackheads because it breaks down the sebum that clogs pores. But don’t go overboard with the lemon juice; too much acidity can strip your hair colour.
To cleanse your hair:
- Mix equal parts lemon juice and water.
- Apply a generous amount of the solution to wet hair and let sit for five to 15 minutes.
- Wash off with warm water.
- Repeat once or twice per week.
5. Try Clarifying Shampoo
Alternatively, this is another method of removing the hard water effects. There is a buildup of hard water due to hard water. You can remove lingering residue from your hair by using clarifying shampoo once a week for a deep clean.
Finding one that works for you will make your hair feel less oily, greasy, and itchy. Keep your hair healthy by choosing products with all-natural ingredients and avoiding those that contain alcohol and harsh chemicals.
6. Install a shower filter
Showerheads come in many shapes and sizes. Some are designed specifically for use with a filter, while others don’t require one. If you want to keep your bathroom clean without spending much money, consider installing a showerhead filter. These inexpensive devices work like whole-house water softeners, except they’re much smaller and easier to install.
A typical showerhead filter consists of three parts: a cartridge, a housing, and a flow regulator. A cartridge contains granules of ionic resin. As water flows over the resin, ions exchange with the resin, releasing hydrogen ions into the water.
This process neutralizes hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium, making the water softer. When the resin becomes saturated, it needs to be replaced. Fortunately, most cartridges are easy to replace. Simply unscrew the old cartridge and screw in the new one.
The housing connects the cartridge to the shower head. Most housings come preinstalled, but you can always purchase additional ones. You’ll want to ensure that the housing you choose has holes large enough to allow water to pass through. Otherwise, the cartridge won’t do anything.
7. Invest in a Whole-House Water Softener
A whole-house water softener removes minerals like magnesium and calcium from your home’s water supply, making your hair softer and healthier. This process uses salt to replace those minerals, keeping your hair hydrated without adding sodium chloride to your diet.
Using a whole-house water softening system will also help you avoid spending unnecessary money on harsh chemicals. To battle hair damage caused by hard water, change your hair care routine to nourish your hair.
Learn About: How To Soften Hard Water For Washing Hair?
8. Use less soap.
As a result of hard water, soap does not dissolve easily, resulting in buildup on your skin (e.g., dryness, irritation). The amount of potential buildup can be reduced by using less soap. If you frequently sweat (like your underarms), concentrate more significant amounts of soap on areas where you sweat more regularly and use small pieces on the rest of your body.
9. Add aluminum sulfate to your water.
An aluminium sulfate tablespoon (0.5 oz.) is added to a small bucket of water and a little bit of water. Skim off the water’s surface with a cup or small container once the minerals have clumped together and settled to the bottom. Take a sponge bath or wash your face with the soft water that is available
10. Wash your face with bottled water.
After washing it with tap water, you can use bottled water instead of tap water if your face is noticeably irritated (redness or irritation). Even though it may seem expensive, especially if you have sensitive skin, the investment might be worth it.
Using enough water to rinse your face effectively and prevent product build-up is essential. No-rinse cleansing water might also be an option. Some of these products clean and moisturize at the same time. You may also consider using distilled water.
11. Shower elsewhere whenever possible.
Use the showers at the gym or swimming pool as often as possible if you have access to them other than at home. Hard water damages your skin, so limiting the number of showers you take will minimize it. Wash your face there as well if you have brought your facial cleanser.
Frequently asked questions
1. How does hard water affect the skin?
Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that can leave a residue on the skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and clogged pores.
2. Does hard water affect hair growth and how your hair looks and feels?
Yes. Hard water can cause dryness and brittleness, which can lead to dandruff. It’s also been known to cause hair loss, breakage, split ends, frizziness and other damage.
3. What are the Benefits of Vinegar on Your Hair?
When you opt to use vinegar on your hair, it neutralizes the effects of hard water. It also stops fungus growth on your scalp.
4. Can hard water worsen existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis?
Yes, hard water can exacerbate skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis by drying out the skin and triggering flare-ups.
5. How can I protect my skin from the effects of hard water?
To protect your skin from hard water, you can use a water softener or install a shower filter that removes minerals. Additionally, using gentle cleansers, moisturizing regularly, and avoiding hot showers can help maintain skin health.
Conclusion
Protecting your skin from hard water is like defending a castle from a relentless siege. Hard water may be tough and unforgiving, but you can create a moat of defense around your precious skin with the right strategies and products. By using gentle cleansers and moisturizers, keeping your showers short and lukewarm, and even investing in a water softener, you can keep your skin smooth and radiant, no matter how hard the water may be.
